Jackson Co. prepares for more rain, more flooding

JACKSON COUNTY, Wis. (WEAU)- With all the rain we've seen, area rivers have reached their limits and more rain in the forecast has area counties on high alert.

A flood warning is in effect for parts of Jackson and Trempealeau County through Thursday afternoon. A handful of counties in the southwestern part of the state are under a flashflood watch.

The Jackson County Emergency Management Coordinator Kristina Page says heavy rainfall in the past 24-hours means two of its largest rivers are at or near flood stage. Page says they are hoping heavy rains stay away so more severe flooding doesn’t impact the area.

“This morning the water was down by the grass lines and then this afternoon it was clear up half way into the field. It’s pretty crazy,” Marla Bahr said as she overlooked her farmland in Jackson County.

Bahr says thanks to recent rain and flooding on the Trempealeau River her farm home in between Hixton and Alma Center now comes with its own private lake. She says seeing water in her front yard in the spring isn’t unusual, but this far into the season it comes as a little bit of a surprise.

Page says Bahr isn’t alone, “there is a concern any stream, creek or gully is filling up fast right now.”

Page says the heavy rains caused at least five road closures in the past 24-hours and with more rains on the way that number could increase.

“If there is any water over the roadway don't drive over it. You don't know what condition the road underneath is in,” Page warned.

Page says in addition to flooded roadways, more heavy rains could spell mudslides for the area. She says right now buildings in the area aren't in the path of rushing water but only time will tell.

“We are just holding our breath and seeing what Mother Nature brings,” she said.

Back along the banks of the Trempealeau River, Marla Bahr says she has a few ideas of what she can do with her new front-yard lake.

“We'll just get the rafts out and play in the water I guess,” she joked.

Jackson County isn't the only one preparing for more road closures as rains continue. The Trempealeau County Emergency Management Coordinator says they are preparing should more rain impact the area.

A stretch of Highway 53 remains closed near Galesville Wednesday night due to water over the road.

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